35, 39, 30, 42 and now 39. They’re the disposal numbers of Ben Jacobs’ five VFL games in 2014.

The growth in Jacobs’ performances have been evident, yet he is still to play a full game for North Melbourne this season, only donning the green vest on three occasions.

Such a situation could easily lead to grumbling and moaning, but Jacobs had the complete opposite feeling after the Roosters’ two-point victory over reigning VFL premiers Box Hill.

A full pre-season and consistent game-time in his body has helped the number 5 become a level-headed midfielder with a balanced view on his current football situation.

“I know first I have to hold up my end of the bargain and keep trying to play good footy,” Jacobs told NMFC.com.au.

“In wins like this you’ve got nothing to worry about because winning games of footy is amazing.

“We’ve won four in a row now. I’m enjoying it down here with Fitzy and the boys. Whatever will come will come but for now all I can do is focus on playing good footy.”

In a string of impressive games, Saturday’s may have been the best of the lot for Jacobs. In the absence of Liam Anthony, the left-footer was the recipient of a heavy tag.

It was none other than Will Langford, a player who has claimed many scalps in the AFL this season. To have 18 possessions to half-time and a new opponent after the break was a major victory for Jacobs.

“He’s (Langford) very good and works both ways. He can work off you and hurt the other way if you’re not focusing.

“He’s done the job on regular AFL players so it was good for me so I could see whether I was up to it.”

To add to quality opposition, the first half was marred by consistent heavy rain. Nothing seemed to faze Jacobs though.

“It was pouring down and it got so boggy in the middle. It really changed the game up considering we’d played a lot of dry games on big grounds,” he added.

“You’re going to get frustrated but you have to accept that it’s a wet day and it’s not just going to fall your way all the time.”

A huge 16 clearances indicated Jacobs did well to adjust to the conditions.

“You’ve just got to go back to basics. You can’t run forward of the ball too much, you can’t predict the ball’s going to over the back of a pack.

"You’ve got to keep playing the 10 out of 10 footy percentage wise, get to the front of the contest and just keep plugging away.

“I really tried to get on the move more and play the percentages. I was using the stoppage principles that I’ve gone through with the other midfielders at the club, so it allowed me to move through the line of the ball and not be sat on at all.”

A five goal to one last quarter saw the Roosters come from the clouds to win by two points. A stirring speech from Fitzgerald at the final change played a large part in inspiring the team.

“Fitzy thinks we’re never out of the game which I love. It was a hard fought win. Sometimes you can get in the rut of just rocking up to games and going through the motions. To have a win like that keeps the spark going.”